Pathologies of Technology Transfer and Commercialization in South Korea - A Social Interdependence Theory Interpretation

The paper tests the above socio-cognitive model with four empirical case studies of leading Korean science and technology research and technology transfer organizations. The case studies demonstrate clear differences in individuals' frames about the technology transfer process and arising conflicts. As a result, technology transfer process is not fully controllable and is highly contextual. We argue, whereas public policy in countries approaching technology frontier provides essential support for defining and exploiting best practices (routines/pathways) for technology transfer at organizational level, they have not matured enough to support the timely identification and resolution of conflicts between individual actors, hence the inefficiencies. Therefore, among others, public policy for technology transfer could consider allowing an inclusive approach to recognition of best practices for technology transfer and innovation processes, increased social interactions between technology transfer actors, and their training on resolution of individual level cognitive conflicts.